Playoffs are heating up as the Dallas Stars face the Winnipeg Jets, with Dallas still leading the series 3-2 despite a recent 4-0 loss. The pressure mounts for both teams, as Dallas aims to avoid a game seven while Winnipeg has yet to win on the road this postseason. Critical moments arise, including an incident where Jamie Benn's punch on Mark Scheifele leads to a $5,000 fine, sparking discussions about NHL discipline during playoffs.

Switching gears, attention now turns to the Toronto Maple Leafs, who have dropped three straight games against the Florida Panthers, raising concerns about Mitch Marner's performance amid trade rumors. As a pending unrestricted free agent, his playoff struggles could impact his future with the team. The pressure is immense as the Leafs look to rebound.

In coaching news, the Philadelphia Flyers have officially welcomed Rick Tockett back to the organization, hoping his experience will guide them through what has been a tumultuous season. Meanwhile, Adam Foot takes over in Vancouver, aiming to revitalize the Canucks after a disappointing year.

The Locked On Fantasy Hockey Podcast discusses the upcoming NHL unrestricted free agent class, highlighting key players and their potential impact on fantasy hockey next season. Sam Bennett, a notable free agent, has shown impressive stats, finishing the regular season 35th overall, a significant jump from his preseason rank of 123rd. The discussion also includes opinions on John Tavares, Brock Besser, and Brad Marchand, analyzing their current value and potential contract situations. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding players' performance trends and how changes in their environment can affect their fantasy output.

The New York Rangers are once again in search of a new head coach, a recurring theme for the franchise over the past four seasons. Mike Sullivan, John Tortorella, and now Rick Tockett are among the names under consideration. Tockett, recently dismissed from the Vancouver Canucks, has a mixed coaching record with only two playoff appearances in his nine seasons as a head coach. His time with the Canucks was marked by internal drama, raising doubts about his fit with the Rangers. The podcast also highlights Michael Pekka, a respected assistant coach, and David Carl, a successful college coach, as potential candidates. Carl's impressive track record in college hockey makes him an appealing option, especially given his ability to develop young talent. The discussion emphasizes the need for a bold choice, considering the Rangers' historical struggles for sustained success.

The NHL coaching landscape is experiencing a seismic shift with significant changes across several teams, notably the Seattle Kraken's decision to part ways with Dan Bilesma. This abrupt change comes just shy of a year after Bilesma's appointment, raising questions about the Kraken's direction and roster construction. Ron Francis, previously the GM, has transitioned to president of hockey operations, while assistant GM Dan Billet steps in as the new head coach amidst a backdrop of player discontent.

Seattle's struggles, including underwhelming performances from key players such as Matty Beniers and Philip Grubauer, spotlight a fundamental issue: a lack of cohesive vision for the franchise. The Kraken's inconsistent roster, characterized by a mix of aging veterans and underperforming stars, complicates their playoff aspirations. Meanwhile, discussions surrounding other notable coaching vacancies, like the potential future of Rick Tocket with the Vancouver Canucks, continue to unfold, reflecting a league-wide trend of volatility in coaching positions.

The Eastern Conference playoff race is nearing its conclusion, with the Ottawa Senators clinching a postseason spot for the first time since 2017, thanks to recent performances. The Senators' anticipated matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round could reignite the historical rivalry known as the 'Battle of Ontario.' Meanwhile, the Montreal Canadiens' Ivan Demidov is set to make his NHL debut, raising expectations for his impact on the team's performance. In a stunning game, the Vancouver Canucks recently achieved an unprecedented comeback, scoring three goals in the final minute to secure a victory against the Dallas Stars, showcasing their potential despite slim playoff hopes.